Greenland
Sea Kayaking Expedition
Angmagssalik area of East Greenland
EXPED NO.- EAEX0064
Details
Coaches
An Inclusive Journey Through the Heart of the River Spey
General
The Angmagssalik area of east Greenland is an ideal location for a Sea kayaking expedition, with great scope for safe yet adventurous sea kayaking exploration and environmental and cultural study.
Although classed by the Scott Polar Research Institute as an arctic environment, the Angmagssalik area is approx 80 miles south of the Arctic Circle and, in effect, an archipelago of islands.
The main settlement, being Tasilaq, has a very Inuit feel to it, with hunting still one of the main subsistence occupations. The year-round community has, from this expedition's viewpoint, good resources and access to a good modern hospital and dentist in an emergency.
There is also a good transport system amongst the islands, using local hunters' boats and a Danish supply boat, so groups can be shuttled to different expedition locations if required.
In a real emergency, there is a helicopter based in Angmagssalik which regularly runs to all the outlying communities and connects with the main flights in from Iceland, which land twice a day in Kulusuk.
From a historical perspective, the area was extensively explored by Gino Watkins in the early 1930’s during two expeditions to provide meteorological data important to establishing a northern air route across the Atlantic.
In 1930/31, Watkins Arctic Air Route Expedition ventured to Natavit and in 1933, Watkins explored further north from Angmagssalik towards Lake Fjord ( Tugtilik ). In order to support the expeditions, Watkins himself learned to Kayak and to hunt with the Inuit, unfortunately perishing while hunting seals.
Travel
Flights to Iceland (Reykjavik) and onwards to Kulusuk - Icelandair
From Kulusuk, we will transfer to Tasillaq either via Boat or helicopter. TBC nearer departure.
Once in Kulusuk, you know you have arrived, and the adventure starts straight away – ice and glaciers everywhere. It's now either a helicopter shuttle or an open-hunters boat (1 hr -ice-dependent) to Tasilaq – the flight is approx. £90 each way.
Base Camp
There is a good spot to establish a base camp out of town and on the edge of the fjord / bay. Its about a 45-minute walk from the community and as a result is away from the dogs and the immediate attentions of the local youngsters, which invade - but not too far for folk wanting to pop in for a mooch about. There is good shelter, fishing and fresh water.
From our point of view, establishing a base camp is not essential, as it is intended that we should only need one day of outfitting (max 2) ahead of setting out on our journey.
Tasillaq Accommodation. We are arranging accommodation with Rasmus Paulson for one / two nights at the start of the trip and similarly at the end of the trip
Tasillaq Accommodation. We are arranging accommodation with Rasmus Paulson for one / two nights at the start of the trip and similarly at the end of the trip
Food
While in Tasillaq, we will be able to shop at the local Supermarket and eat in our accommodation. Alternatively, there is a Pizza shop and a Hotel.
While on exped breakfast will be Porridge, dried fruit and honey,Jams: Lunches will be wraps, cheese, fish, and/or meat with any local ‘salad’ options. Also, peanut butter, nuts, chocolate bars and flapjack.
Evening meals will be individual wet meal packs along with additional rice/pasta. As we should visit at least three settlements, we will be able to complement this with an occasional fresh meal. We may need to check out the local supermarket for dessert options as well.
We should also make up some trail mix / ‘gorp’ for dipping into throughout the day.
Kayaking
Angmagssalik fjord, or King Oskers Harbour, is a good sheltered area.
The scope for some overnighters and further prep. Once out of the fjord ( affording a degree of exposure and requiring reasonable conditions) and with plenty of ice to give shelter, a group can travel in either direction – it's also possible to paddle round to a hut near Ikatek. The old settlement of Ikatek on the SW side is worth a visit, with its now-abandoned school.
Our initial/primary intention is to undertake a paddling journey to Watkins' first /southernmost base camps.
Options will depend heavily on ice and weather conditions.
Seal, Whale and Narwhal are all possible sightings for the kayakers.
Gino Watkins 1930/31 base camp is a 3-day paddle for a strong group with good conditions – there are, however, numerous old abandoned settlements to explore along the coast.
Cultural
Angmagssalik has a great history as a base for early explorers. There is a small museum and several historic points of interest within the community. All Greenland’s stamps are made here – a bit of a job support scheme. Local visits to Artists (carvers) workshops are a must. Just wandering around and soaking up this unique atmosphere will keep you busy for several days.
Experiencing the hunter's market and seeing them processing their kill on their family rock and being given raw samples to taste is an unforgettable experience. The sound of the sledge dogs howling and the unforgettable smell of blubber and seal offal all add to the adventure.
Notes
The itinerary currently allows for approx 18 days of paddling/activity and a buffer of 3/4 bad weather dates and or days in Iceland at the end of the trip. Proposed date to depart Kulusuk TBC Proposed date to depart Reykjavik TBC.
Kayaks
Kayaks are being shipped to Tasillaq via Iceland and should arrive in Tasillaq in the first week of June. We will need to retrieve the kayaks and prep for departure on days 1 and 2 after our arrival I. `tasillaq.
4 plastic Scorpios - 3 Large / 1 medium
Local Support
Tasillaq Accommodation / Boat transfers are being arranged with Rasmus Paulson of Tasillaq Tours.
Due to some degree of individual transfer requirements, it may be necessary to arrange individual airport transfer by helicopter through Air Greenland.
Polar Bears
Polar bears are not often seen in this area, but it is possible to see plenty of skins drying on racks – these have usually been shot further north by the hunters travelling in their open boats.
Any bears that do come into the area during the summer are soon dispatched by the ever-watchful hunter. Having said
that, a shotgun with rifled solid slugs will be carried as well as a warning bear fence. It may also be necessary to maintain an overnight bear watch at times.
that, a shotgun with rifled solid slugs will be carried as well as a warning bear fence. It may also be necessary to maintain an overnight bear watch at times.
Will will be able to overnight in hunters' cabins on occasion.
Arctic foxes and stray dogs can cause problems, but are easily dealt with.
Coaches
Mike Devlin
Mike is an experienced outdoor instructor and paddle sport specialist, with a lifetime of leading and guiding across rivers, mountains, and remote environments worldwide, bringing a wealth of real-world knowledge and adventure to every session.
Suresh Paul
Founder of Equal Adventure and experienced educator, Suresh brings decades of expertise in inclusive adventure, combining innovative design, research, and hands-on leadership to create accessible outdoor experiences for all.
Andy Hall
Andy brings decades of experience across climbing, kayaking, skiing, and outdoor education. After 20 years as a head teacher at an outdoor centre in North Wales, he now splits his time between ski teaching in Italy and guiding across Scotland’s mountains, coasts, and rivers. His adventures have taken him from Arctic river expeditions to Nepal and Patagonia, but his heart remains in the Cairngorms, where he continues to explore and share his passion for the outdoors.
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